Recuerdo De Amor Island 2: Take You Back - Completed

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Five years ago

LAWRENCE

"Dumating ka na pala anak! Pinapatawag ka ng daddy mo sa library. May pag-uusapan daw kayo." Bungad na sabi sakin na yaya Lucing ko.

"Okay po yaya. Pakihanda na lang po ako ng meryenda yaya nagutom po kasi ako sa activity namin sa school." Pakiusap ko kay yaya.

Iniwan ko na lang ang bag ko sa sala at deretsong umakyat sa library. I knock.

"Come in!" Its dad.

I see my parents sitting in the long sofa facing the door. Sinarado ko ang pintuan at naglakad papunta sa kanila.

"Good afternoon Mom, Dad!" Bati ko sabay halik sa kanila sa pisngi.

I settle myself in a single seater sofa in their left.

"Pinatawag nyo daw po ako." Panimula ko.

My mom smile and nod while my dad seriously staring at me trying to read my mind. He's intimidating every time he do that.

He cleared his throat.

"Yes son. You already reach 18 last week and you know what does it mean right? Your mother and I decide to give you a work in our company next week like your cousins did when they reached 18." Walang pasubaling pahayag ni dad.

I know this time will come and I'm preparing for this. But hearing it right now feels like I dont want to do it yet. Im still young and I want to enjoy my life like guys in my age doing, not working in a low job. I feel down.

"Looking at your face anak, you're not happy." My mom snap me back in senses. I look at her, she's not happy too on my expression.

"Try to remember anak para sayo rin ito at sa kompanya ang ginagawa namin. Kailangan mong nagsimula sa mababa at matutu bago ka umakyat sa taas kung saan naroon ang ama mo ngayon. This way makilala mo ang mga taong makatuwang mo sa pagpalago ng ating negosyo. Observe and learn their way of doing their job." Pagpapaliwanag ni mommy.

If someone can read me like an open book, thats my mom. She knew exactly what I am thinking and feeling kahit di ko pa ito nasasabi sa kanya. Her mother instinct is quite strong when it comes to her children. Tahimik lang akong nakinig. I didn't say a word dahil kahit anung irarason ko o kahit di ako papayag, desisyon parin naman nila ang masusunod.

"Think about it son. Isipin mo ang buhay namin noon na ikinikwento ng lolo mo sayo palagi. At ihambing mo sa buhay mo ngayon. Youre lucky that you can buy whatever you desired in just a swipe card in the counter and you’re paid. Unlike us before, me, your uncle and tita, even your mom work ourselves hard and earn money to buy cheap things for ourselves." Kwento ni dad. Ngayon ko lang sya nakausap ng ganito at nanliliit ako sa narinig.

"Our company was built by your great grandfather from a small auto repair shop where I started to work with my dad at the age of 10. Hanggang sa pinagtulungan naming magkapatid na palaguin ito. Dugo at pawis ang puhunan ng pamilya natin sa negosyong ito. Gusto naming iparanas sayo ang magtrabaho mula sa mababa, hindi para pahirapan ka kundi para matuto. You have to experience and open your eyes in the reality of poverty and see the difference of what we have." He continued.

I feel ashamed hearing my dad words napababa ako ng ulo ko. Maliit pa lang kami minulat na kami ng aming lolo sa kwento ng buhay nila noon para maging silbing aral samin. Hearing it to my dad again bring back all the memories of my grandfather, that even in his old self he keeps working just to make sure our company reach on top.

"I'm sorry mom and dad. I was thinking of disobeying you but hearing again your struggled to make our company successful, I realized how hard you work for this. I almost forgot what Lolo taught me. He always telling us that we should learn to look back on our past, the hardship you all fought to keep our company grow." Nakababa parin ang ulo ko bahang nagsasalita. I cant face them sa naiisip ko kanina. I sighed and look my parents that is seriously waiting for my decision.

"Dont worry dad, I'll be in your office next week and take the job you'll offer. I'll give you my schedule later dad so kayo na po bahala mag arrange ng gagawin ko sa vacant days ko." Nakangiti kong sabi sa kanila.

My mom smile at me lovingly and mouthed "Im proud of you". My dads face lightens on my decision. He's not good of showing his true emotion but I know he cared and only wants the best for me.

"Thank you son. Lets talk again about that matter in my office next week. Now take a rest and be at the dinning at 7 for dinner. You may go now." Dad dismissing me. I smile at them and get up.

"Thank you mommy for raising our son well and teaching him to become responsible. I love you." I heard dad said to my mom bago ko pa man tuluyang masarado ang pinto.

I feel proud of myself too. I didn't regret my decision. My responsibilities will start next week. Being born a Saratoga means hardship to me. As the eldest son of Lauro and Beatrice Saratoga, someday the responsibility will pass on me. Blake Lawrence Saratoga was a name given to me by my late grandfather. He's Lorenso Saratoga II, my uncle alredy is His the III, he want my name in his English version because my dad wont agree to make me his IV.

I have a 13 years old younger sister, Laura Beatrice Saratoga. Combination of the name of my dad and mom. Lalo na she's a younger version of our mom. I grow up with a loving mom and workaholic dad. Magsaganun man my mom makes us understand about dads priorities. They live their childhood in a rough way. Parehong galing sa mahirap na angkan ang magulang ko.

Magkababata at childhood sweetheart. Mulat sa hirap ng buhay kaya nagsumikap na iaahon muna ang kani-kanilang pamilya at isinantabi ang kanilang pagmamahalan. Both eldest and bread winner ng pamilya. They are already 32 years old when they decide to settle down and I was born. At that time nag umpisang umaangat ang kanilang negosyo hanggang sa paglipas ng taon ay lumago ito.

The small auto repair shop is now become one of known car manufacturer and dealer in the Philippines. Saratoga Motors Incorporation built to fulfil my great grandfather ambition to build a car and have car collection. My father and uncle work hard to fulfil his dream in the highest level. Thats why I understand if mas inuuna ni dad ang trabaho nya sa companya kaysa samin. But I know he's trying himself to be with us every dinner para makabawi sa kanyang pagkukulang as our father.

I love my dad and proud of his dedication for his family legacy. And thanks to my mom wala akong kinikimkim na hinanakit sa kanya. At kung ang magsimula sa mababa ang kailangan kong maranasan para maibahagi nya sakin ang karanasan nya, hindi na ako magrereklamo pa. Sabagay pinagdaanan din ito ng dalawa kong nakatatandang pinsan na lalaki. Maging sila nagsimula sa mababa bago marating ang posisyon nila ngayon.

Knock knock knock

"Pasok po!" Bukas naman ang pinto kaya di na ako bumangon. Unti-unting bumukas ang pinto when I glance there it's yaya Lucing kaya napabangon ako agad sa kama at tinulungan sya.

"Yan na ang meryenda mo anak. Dinala ko na rin ang bag mo dahil kanina pag nag-iingay ang cellphone mo sa loob ei." Sabay lapag ng bag ko sa kama.

"Yaya naman bakit ikaw pa ang nagdala ng mga ito. Dapat sayo nagpapahinga na ei. Nasaan na ba ang ibang kasambahay natin." Reklamo ko. She's been with us since I cant remember and she's like a second mother to me.

"Naku hayaan mo na anak. May mga ginagawa ang mga iyon. Wala din naman akong ginagawa buong araw ei." Pagsawalang bahala nya.

Napailing na lang ako.

"Thank you yaya. Magpahinga na po kayo. Ako na ang bahala dito."

"Sige anak. Tulungan ko pa ang mommy mo sa kusina." Dali-dali itong lumabas sa kwarto ko.

I open my bag to search my phone. I got 8 miscall and 5 messages. Scroll and most of it is from Levi.

Levi Blake Alonzo, one of my 7 best friends and brothers. He's a year older than me. We became bestfriend 10 years ago, simula ng magbakasyon kami sa Recuerdo de Amor Island na pag-aari ng Tita Luisa ko na bunsong kapatid ni daddy. I was 8 at that time ng isinama ako ng pinsan ko na si kuya Prince Rafael Luis sa kanilang rancho sa isla. Isinama din nito ang apat pa nyang bestfriend na sina Errol Miguel, Ashton David, Christian Alvin at Leigh Blaire, na isinama din ang nakababatang kapatid na lalaki na si Levi Blade na syang naging kasundo ko kaagad.

Mula noon naging sandigan namin ang isat-isa at walang iwanan kahit anung mangyari. Marami ang naganap pagkalipas ng mga taon sa buhay ng isat-isa pero nanatiling matibay ang pagkakaibigan namin. Our bond became stronger everyday even when we are apart from each other.

I open the message from Levi. He wants me to go at his bar tonight. Miguel was here in the Philippines. Bigla akong na excite sa nabasa ko. Hindi ko na binasa ang iba. Ang importante sakin ang malaman na nandito si Miguel. Minsan lang kasi ito makakauwi dito simula ng manirahan silang magkapatid sa America. At lalo pang naging madalang ng pumasok sya sa Navy.

Not just a navy military but one of US Navy SEAL. He's already SEAL officer (O-1) at the age of 20. Ganoon sya kapursigidong maging malakas and we know why. And he's one of the team that take dangerous missions at war. Knowing that he's here means he's safe. Hindi rin namin maiwasang mag alala sa kanya lalo na at ang huli naming balita ay nasa Libya sya kung saan may martial law na nagaganap.

"Dad, mom Im going out tonight. Kuya Miguel is here in the Philippines. He wants to see us. Okay lang po ba?" Paalam ko sa parents ko.

Nandito kaming lahat sa dining table, eating our dinner kasama sina yaya Lucing at walo pa naming kasambahay. They are part of our family too kaya pantay lang ang pagtingin namin sa kanila. Lumiwanag ang mukha ni mommy hearing my news.

"Andito si Miguel? Thats good to hear. Natutuwa akong marinig na nandito ang batang iyan. Di ko maiwasang mag-alala sa kanya, sa uri ng trabaho nya. Tell the boys to come over here in the house sometimes." I glint of worry appear on my mom's face para kay Miguel. "Payag ako anak. Be home before 1 am, may pasok ka pa bukas."

"Thanks mom." I look at my dad. He just nod. Napangiti ako ng malapad.

"Kuya say "hi" for me kina Kuya Miguel at sa iba pa ha." Sabat naman ng kapatid ko.

"Sure sis." Masayang sagot ko sa kanya sabay pisil ng pisngi nito.

I drive my 2011 Aston Martin V-12 Vantage sport car. One of my collection. Headed to "Mon Paradis" bar ni Levi. French word of "my paradise". He built this for his own pleasure simula ng lokohin ito ng dati nyang nobya. Levi's heartbreak created huge impact in his life that turn 360 degrees of what he used to be. Since then he played girls like a normal thing to do. I play too but at least I keep them longer unlike him, almost every day another woman in his side.

"Just bang and go" thats his motto now. We tried to stop him but once someone of us make a decision, its hard to make them change it. Pare-parehong matitigas ang ulo.

Full swing na ang mga tao sa bar kahit school night pa lang. Puno ng kotse ang parking lot. I park mine in our VIP garage, kay Levi na kotse pa lang ang nandito. Pumasok na ako sa loob. Maaga pa lang pero marami ng lasing. May nag mi-make out sa iba't-ibang madilim na sulok ng bar at sa dance floor. Women are giving me flirty look when I pass them and I return with smile. I have to see my best friends first before choosing one of them later. I smirk in my mind thinking that.

Umakyat na ako sa unang palapag ng bar kung saan naroon ang VIP room na para lang sa aming magkakaibigan. Exclusively for all our friends. Sa bungad ng hagdanan may nakabantay na guard dito at may harang na kadena. You need to show your VIP card bago ka makaakyat.

Pagbukas ko ng pintuan ng VIP room, tama nga ako si Levi pa lang ang nandito. He's making out. Napagitnaan ito ng dalawang babae. Nakalihis na ang mga damit nila at ang isang kamay ni Levi nasa loob na ng dibdib ng sa kaliwang babae nya. Tsk. Nagsi-ayus ang mga ito ng kanilang damit at umayos ng pag kaupo ng tumikhin ako. Levi got up and give me a brother hug.

Sininyasan nito ang dalawa na lumabas. They kiss Levi torridly in front of me before they left. Napaiwas ako ng tingin. Disgusting! Binigyan pa ako ng malanding ngiti ng isa bago tuluyang lumabas. I rolled my eyes, not my type. Levi just chuckled. Tsk! We settled ourselves in the sofa facing the glass wall where we can see the stage in the ground floor. I pour myself a scotch whiskey and lean my back.

"Good thing your early bro. Nagpaalam ka ba ng maayus kina tita?" Nakangising sabi ni Levi habang nagpupunas ng labi nya. He's getting worst every day.

"Bakit nabitin ka ba sa kanila? Tsk. Buti nga ako lang nakaabot sayo. Pag si kuya Blaire pinatapon na nun ang dalawa sa labas ng bar mo. And of course. I told them I'll meet Miguel here." Asar kong sagot. He just smirk. "By the way, where's your Ferrari Enzo? Mustang lang ang nakita ko sa garage ah." I asked him.

He frown. "I lost the bet against Calvin in motor racing kanina. He want his Lamborghini back but I didn't ride with it today kaya ang Enzo ko ang pinagdiskitahan nya. Tsk! I have to win it back."

"What? May race pala kayo kanina bakit di mo man lang ako sinabihan." Sumbat ko.

Tinaasan nya ako ng kilay.

"Have you seen your phone? I called and texted you but you didn't answer."

"My bad." Napakamot ako ng ulo ko. "Di ko siguro narinig kanina habang nagdadrive ako pauwi dahil sa loob ng bag ko. Pero buti na lang di ko alam. My dad was waiting for me in the house kanina. Im going to work in our company simula next week." Kwento ko sa kanya. Inisang lagok ko lang ang whiskey.

Napangisi ito.

"Bawas night-out kana n'yan. But its okay bro, I've been there and until now Im still working as dads junior architect. Not that Im complaining but my passion is to design cars not houses and to draw and paint in my canvass only. Its not that bad naman kasi may matutunan ka talaga kaso lang no fun at all." Tsk anu pa bang asahan ko sa isang to. He always complained naman talaga sa lahat ng bagay. Matino lang ito sa pagpipinta nya.

"You always complain bro. Beside hinahayaan ka na rin naman nila Tito ngayon ah. Malapit na ring makagraduate si Kuya Blaire so all you have to do is to keep your bar alive for a long time and finish your course so you wont work for them anymore." Bara ko dito.

"Hey! Have you seen this bar? Soon, Im going to build another branch and my grades are not that bad. Hahaha" mayabang nitong sabi.

"Yeah few drop-out and failed subjects are not bad at all. Hope Kuya Blaire wont find out." Sarcastic kong sagot.

"I already found out Rence. He even receive some punch."

Napatingin ako sa nagsalita.

Blaire and our four best friends are here. Agad kaming lumapit sa kanila. We exchange brother hug and greetings bago bumalik sa pag upo. They are all graduating this year. Kahit dapat may one year pa sina David at Blaire. Iba talaga pag matatalino. Maliban syempre kay Miguel na at the age of 18 ay sundalo na.

"Its nice to see you here Miguel. Hanggang kailan ka dito? Dahil Mom invite you all to come over in the house some time." Tanong ko kay Miguel.

"They asked me that too Rence. Im staying here for two weeks so I have plenty of time coming in your houses. Im on vacation bago kami dadalhin sa Egypt doon ang gulo na naman." Paliwanag nya.

"Retired early bro and focus on your security agency." Pakiusap ni Rafael. "We need you once we built the RdA Island."

"I'll think about it. Just inform me when we are going to start the project and hope Im not in the field that time." Sagot ni Miguel. "Kompleto na ba ang layout ng isla?"

"We are working on it. I cant focus my attention on that right now. Finals are approaching. But I already finish the blueprint of your houses in Amore. Ibibigay ko sa inyo pag na finalize ko na. Kung may ipababago kayo just tell me." Blaire aswered Miguel. Sya, si Levi at David ang naplaplano ng isla.

Sa akin naman nakaatang ang paggawa ng mga carriages at na aprobahan na nila ito noon pa. While Rafael and Alvin is in our financial assessment and legalities. Security Personnel naman ang kay Miguel.

"Damn! May pag-iipunan naman ako nito. I need to paint more to have money for my house at sa iaambag ko sa inyo. Hahaha" birong sabat ni Levi. Binatukan ito ng Kuya nya.

"Dapat lang dahil kapag hindi ka tumino ipatapon ka daw ni Daddy sa Greece. At alam mo kong ano ang mangyayari sayo dun diba?" Pananakot ni Blaire dito. Nanlaki ang mata ni Levi sa narinig. Natawa na lang kami. That would be his worst nightmare.

"Ikaw bunso, I presumed Tito Lauro already want you to work in SMI (Saratoga Motors Incorp.) right?" Tanong sakin ni Kuya Rafael. He likes to call me "bunso".

"Yeah he talked to me this afternoon. I'll start next week." Pagbabalita ko sa kanila.

Alvin pat my shoulder. "You'll be fine bro. We're all been there. Every month you have to work in different job. I start as a bellboy in the hotel when I was 18." He said... giving me encouraging look.

Every one of them shared their experiences since they are 18 to lighten my feeling, Im sure and to encourage me.

"I even experienced being a janitor bro. But at the end of the day you will learn something. At malaking bahagi ng pagkatao natin galing sa mahirap bunso. Kaya dont hesitate, dun mo lalong matutunan ang pagpapahalaga ng pera." Sabi ni kuya Rafael. Inakbayan nya ako sabay gulo ng buhok ko. He's treating me like a kid. Binalingan nito si David.

"I heard your company is starting now bro. All settled?"

"Yeah thanks for helping." Maikling sagot ni David. He's been like that after the scandalous event happen in their family. But we never leave his side and understand him for isolating himself to us. Sapat na sa aming nandyan sya. That’s what brothers do right?

"We have our first project this summer. One of our clients approved my building design and I recommended David construction firm to build it. They agreed so we have our first company project." Pagbabalita ni Blaire. He's the spoke person of David sometime. They understand each other more than us.

We cheers for the news and congratulate them. We have shares on David firm but he owned 70 percent of it. Kung baga nagdagdag lang kami ng konti. All of us already inherited huge amounts of money from our grandparents plus the trust fund of our parents that we are allowed to used once when we reach 18 kaya money was not a problem at all.

"Someday we are going to focus in our dream land guys. Lets be expert in the field we choose so that we can built the new Recuerdo de Amor Island a world class expectation." Puno ng pangarap na sabi ni Kuya Rafael.

We all agree on what he said. We will and for sure someday the island will make its own name in the world of business.

Because of that ambition I feel excited doing my job. Tama lang na pumayag ako sa pinag-uutos ni daddy. I'll take their challenges and make sure they will be proud of me. And I guess I have to enjoy my remaining week of my freedom dahil next week magsisimula na akong sa aking unang hakbang sa mundo ng negosyo.